Judge In Recall Case Admits Ties To Both Parties

The recall of Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez hit the courts Friday afternoon and although a decision on tossing out the recall petitions wasn't made, the judge in the case disclosed his connections with the parties of the case.

Judge Israel Reyes told attorneys for Alvarez and Miami businessman Norman Braman that he knew all the parties involved in the case very well. Judge Reyes worked with Alvarez at the police department for over 20 years and is good friends with the lawyers for Braman.

"It's a wonderful town and everyone is connected," Bruce Rogow, Alvarez's attorney said. "My view is judges are good. Courts are good."

"The judge knows a lot of people," said Braman attorney Robert Martinez. "It's not surprising for someone who has been in Miami for awhile so this happens."

Now, both Braman and Alvarez now have until Monday to decide if they want a new judge. If both sides agree to move forward, Alvarez's argument will be heard next Friday.

Alvarez claims that the petitions submitted last week are invalid because the deputy clerk signed off on the paperwork, not the actual County Clerk Harvey Ruvin.

Even though his signature isn't on there, Ruvin claims that he approved the paperwork.